FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — The Virginia Pest Management Association (VPMA) is launching its first ACE (Associate Certified Entomologist) preparatory course and exam on Aug. 23 and Aug. 24 in Richmond, Va. A second testing opportunity is available on Oct. 4. ESA approved VPMA as an ACE exam proctor this spring, which enabled VPMA to expand its educational offerings.

“The ACE designation is an honor earned by technicians that recognizes their years of experience and accumulated knowledge.vIt sets them apart as an elite group of pest management problem solvers,” said VPMA President Jeff Johnson, who also is an ACE. Johnson earned his ACE in July last year.

The ACE program is designed to benefit the practicing pest control professional. Interest PMPs do not need an advanced degree to participate, just a solid grasp of the practical aspects of applied entomology. To be eligible to apply for the ACE program, they must hold a current pesticide applicators’ license issued in the U.S., have a minimum of seven years of verifiable pest management experience and must take and pass a test of his/her knowledge of structural pest control.

For those wanting become an ACE, this prep course, taught by Dr. Dini Miller of Virginia Tech and Jim Fredericks of NPMA, will review each of the elements that may be covered on the exam. Individual self-study is still advised, but this course will reinforce knowledge and provide an opportunity to clarify information.

Interested PMPs can register with VPMA for the prep course, and with ESA to take the exam. For more information, call VPMA at 877-875-8722 or visit

The company said its fourth-quarter earnings rose 17%. Ecolab CEO Doug Baker said the company’s U.S. pest business “has been steadily improving” due to a number of investments in that business starting two years ago.